Why do germain tunes offer more gain?

[Greenkirby21]

While the AA and OE tuning tunes offer 10-15 hp, why do german tunes offer 30-40 HP gains? Is there something different from our cars?

For example, wintertuning can tune a 125i from 218 hp to 274 HP. That is a gain of 56 HP!! Just with ECU!

Here is a video of a CONVERTIBLE 125i spanking a 130i.

Although I can't speak german, I have seen other german ECU tuners also claim 270 hp for the 128i.

Imagine.. a 128i with CAI, EXHAUST and tune would be good for about 280 hp


http://wintertuning.de/index.php?opt...111&Itemid=112

[Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!]

Maybe it's the conversion factor.

[Greenkirby21]

o wow I can't spell german >_>. silly iPhone!

[jimmy1990]

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=408514
a lot of different tuner with different gain of hp

[Greenkirby21]

Originally Posted by jimmy1990

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=408514
a lot of different tuner with different gain of hp

true, I am just curious as to why local tunes have not been able to get that much power yet?

also, that guy never responded anymore : (

[Riley1524]

I was thinking about going with the wintertuning, but to take out the ECU and send it to them means I would be without my car for no telling how long since it has to go over seas. One option would be to buy a ECU from a totaled car or something. It would interesting to see the results

[Greenkirby21]

Originally Posted by Riley1524

I was thinking about going with the wintertuning, but to take out the ECU and send it to them means I would be without my car for no telling how long since it has to go over seas. One option would be to buy a ECU from a totaled car or something. It would interesting to see the results

I would like to see a tuned 128i + exhaust + intake vs a stock 135i : ).

[Riley1524]

Originally Posted by Greenkirby21

I would like to see a tuned 128i + exhaust + intake vs a stock 135i : ).

I still think the 135 would "spank" a chipped/modded pretty well. It still blows my mind that there's not a lot of options for the 128i. It has a ton of potential. I want a super charger for mine so bad I can't stand it.

[Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!]

I think one reason you might not get as much tuning options for a 128 vs the 135 is the higher cost associated with gains on an NA engine. The amount of power I could add to my 135 for 300-1000 dollars is ridiculous compared to the thousands I would have had to spend to supercharge etc my NA M3 for similar gains. Also, most people who are sick in the head enough for major tuning will go with the 135 over the 128 most of the time. Just my 2 cents.

[Bimmer-Bob]

What I don't understand is that with all the 328i's sold alone, there are a ton of N52's on the road right now. Factor in 128i's, 528i's, Z4's, X3's, etc. and you have even more. While many (probably most) of these buyers probably aren't interested in a tune, you have to figure there is still a pretty big market interested. You would think if there were gains to be had, someone would find them - but I guess developing for the N54/N55 is just easier money.

The fact that the Europeans seem to be able to get gains more easily from the 125i makes me wonder if maybe it has the 3-stage intake manifold and/or DISA that the 130i has? Or is it exactly the same engine as a 128i (N52B30M, I think)? You know, there are lots of little variables that for some reason or another could make the 125i more tunable than a 128i. Or maybe they're the same, and it just takes someone with the right connections to put 2 and 2 together and bring the tune to the US.

One more thing - even with an ECU tune and some engine work, you're never going to get the 128i totally on par with a 130i (even if you get the HP numbers equal). The 130i seems to have a different rear axle (as evidenced by the fact that it fits Performance rear rotors, unlike the 128i) and I bet has different gearing and final drive, probably favoring quicker acceleration. Just a thought.

[Dackelone]

I think the German models get direct injection on the 328i. While the US models do not.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

I think the German models get direct injection on the 328i. While the US models do not.

You're thinking of the N53, which I think is basically an N52 with direct injection. But the 125i doesn't use that engine, so if there is a difference between the 125i and 128i engine other than ECU, it's not DI.

Curious how tuners are able to seemingly get significantly more gains out of the lower rated model (125i is what, 215 HP?).

[micah_675]

Originally Posted by Greenkirby21

While the AA and OE tuning tunes offer 10-15 hp, why do german tunes offer 30-40 HP gains? Is there something different from our cars? For example, wintertuning can tune a 125i from 218 hp to 274 HP. That is a gain of 56 HP!! Just with ECU![/url]

They figured out how to change the maximum valve lift. Which is what limits the current tuners of our cars... It will be worth it for you.... This is for the cars with valvetronic (IE our motors), as for the N53, its all fuel maps and timing. Since they do not run variable valve lift its easier to tune the motor.

[jimmy1990]

well, I know some part of the world gets 272hp 330i.... with the same N52

[micah_675]

Originally Posted by jimmy1990

well, I know some part of the world gets 272hp 330i.... with the same N52

Again its all about valve lift. That is why without a tune the intake manifold doesn't make as much high end power, and actually flattens out for part of the band.

[wolfe]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

One more thing - even with an ECU tune and some engine work, you're never going to get the 128i totally on par with a 130i (even if you get the HP numbers equal). The 130i seems to have a different rear axle (as evidenced by the fact that it fits Performance rear rotors, unlike the 128i) and I bet has different gearing and final drive, probably favoring quicker acceleration. Just a thought.

I'm pretty sure the 130i has a different (stouter) 6-speed transmission too.

[Greenkirby21]

with technology tuners should be able to tune online via a type of messaging system, that way no ECU would have to be sent : ).

0) pay for tune itself
1)Send a deposit of 200 bucks or however much the OB2 port cable costs
2) receive cable
3) Start a webchat/computer control with tuner
4) get ECU tune
5) return cable
6) get back 200 bucks

[jaf89f]

Wouldn't hurt to ask the tuners themselves if this could be done...

[AlwayzUnce]

Originally Posted by Greenkirby21

I would like to see a tuned 128i + exhaust + intake vs a stock 135i : ).

haha ill see if i can get one by the end of the week!!

[Greenkirby21]

Originally Posted by AlwayzUnce

haha ill see if i can get one by the end of the week!!

dont forget lightweight rims

[AlwayzUnce]

after the powerbox the car really came to life, later in the week im going to do the intake and exhaust... may do the cyba scoops as well.

Im going to try and run with my friends 335xi... i think i can keep up with him... a 135i may be pushing it a bit, but ill tell you now, this is one hella fun car to drive!

[ManGGouste]

I'm going to Munich to Wintertuning in a couple weeks.
I'll keep you updated as I get that so much awaited ECU tune (125i engine sucks IMO).